Imphal, Dec 6: A large crowd gathered at the Peace Ground to pay their respects to the 10 volunteers who lost their lives on November 11 in Jiribam as their mortal remains were laid to rest in Churachandpur on Thursday.

A ‘gun salute’ by volunteers and a moving choral performance by the Blessed Choir was also performed as part of the funeral ceremony.

Mizoram legislator Ginzalala, Adviser (Technical) to Chief Minister Lalduhoma, alongside leaders from the Central Young Mizo Association (YMA), Zomi Council, Kuki Inpi, and Hmar Inpui, attended the ceremony to honor the deceased. Tributes included floral offerings, traditional costumes, and choral songs.

The 10 people lost their lives in gun battle with security forces, who the police had claimed were suspected militants, after they allegedly opened fire at Borobekra police station and an adjacent CRPF camp at Jakuradhor in Jiribam district on November 11. The militants were also accused of abducting and killing six people on the same day.

The bodies of the Kuki-Zo youths were airlifted to Churachandpur from Assam’s Silchar on November 16.

During the ceremony, Kuki-Zo Council Chairman Henlienthang Thanglep highlighted the inhumane treatment of the volunteers, who were allegedly tortured. He demanded a thorough investigation into these acts, urging the central government to hold the perpetrators accountable.

He also mentioned the killing of Zosangkim, a mother of three, and the recent violence affecting Meitei women and children. Emphasizing the ethical stance of the Kuki-Zo community, he stated, “We have never harmed women and children during this conflict. These acts violate our values and human rights.”

Criticizing media coverage, Thanglep expressed disappointment over the lack of reporting on the destruction of seven churches, a school, and over 32 houses, allegedly burned during the unrest. He contrasted this with widespread media attention given to incidents such as the burning of political offices and a mobile tower in Jiribam. “The silence on the destruction of our religious and community institutions is deeply troubling,” he said.

He also condemned the arson of a petrol pump owned by a Kuki-Zo tribal in Babupara, noting its omission from mainstream media narratives.

Thanglep questioned the selective application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which covers hill districts such as Churachandpur and Kangpokpi but excludes valley areas. He argued for equal imposition of the act across regions, noting that most valley-based militants are not under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements, unlike those in the hills.

He further highlighted the economic challenges faced by the Kuki-Zo people due to prolonged blockades and disrupted supply chains. “Essential commodities, medical supplies, and fuel have not reached our communities for 18 months. The government must ensure equitable distribution,” he urged.

Thanglep also reiterated the community’s demand for a separate administrative framework, such as a Union Territory with legislative powers, as the only viable solution for lasting peace.

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